On April 22, Americans across the nation in more than 50 states and 300 cities, including North Platte, will walk to raise awareness of crimes against children, and to ask lawmakers to put the future, our children, first.

The march will be held all day at the Lincoln County Court House from 7 a.m.-5 p.m., organizer Trish Luhring said.

Walkers can attend for the day or when they are able; however all walkers are encouraged to be present from noon-1 p.m. for an "hour of power" on the sidewalks around the courthouse.

For more information or to register, contact Luhring at T15_T646@hotmail.com or Al Furchert at alfurchert@yahoo.com.

Pre-registering is not required but is appreciated, so organizers can track and plan

for people attending. Signs with statistics and infomation will be provided, however walkers are encouraged to make their own signs as well.

"This is a positive and peaceful walk, so please no vulgarity," Luhring said.

The purpose is to raise awareness of the magnitude of child abuse, to educate and ask lawmakers for tougher sentencing in violent crimes against our nation's children.

Childrenís organizations, churches, college associations, and all child advocates & groups are encouraged to hit the streets for this long needed, first ever nationwide event.

"Our nationís children are screaming out for help. Itís time we had something to say about it," organizers say.